Domotex Middle East starts strong despite rain

Posted Date: 11/7/2013

[Istanbul] Domotex Middle East is only in its second year at its new location here but it has already surpassed the expectations of many exhibitors who represent some16 countries. It is the only trade fair in the region to offer this scope of flooring product, according to Wolfgang Lenarz, senior vice president of Domotex.

Representing iHiB, the association of Istanbul carpet manufacturers, Ibrahim Yilmaz said it was fitting for the show to be hosted here — a major stop along the Silk Road that has been the capital of three empires as well as the center of the carpet trade for centuries. Likening the show "to a newborn child," he predicted we will all watch it grow in size and importance.

One exhibitor, Aray's general manager Atilla Kirsan, said that it already beat out Dubai, the previous venue, for traffic and customer interest. "I think they were surprised last year with how well the show went, and this year is even better," he said. He plans to keep coming back.

The reasons for being here are as diverse as the line-up of exhibitors, from German and Chinese manufacturers, to more traditional rug weavers from the surrounding area. Some were looking to sell to existing customers throughout the Middle East, others were hoping to find distribution for their lines, others still were hoping to sell directly to the local Turkish market.

One Chinese supplier, Dasso, was looking to add sales that it expects will push it beyond its current capacity and lead to a factory expansion back home, said Tony Wong, overseas sales manager. The company featured its wide, rustic-look bamboo plank that has been a hit at other shows.

The event is an interesting mix of traditional stacks of rugs next door to sophisticated stands that rival those seen anywhere in the world. The products themselves ranged from adhesives and manufacturing equipment to rugs, carpet, resilient, hardwood and laminate.

Among the more interesting finds in carpet and rugs were the spice colors and rich jewel tones so typical of the region in both traditional as well as contemporary patterns.